Allison Beckstrom’s talent for tracking spells has put her up against some of the darkest elements in the world of magic, but she’s never faced anything like this.

Magic itself has been poisoned, and Allie’s undead father may have left the only cure in the hands of a madman. Hunted by the Authority–the secret council that enforces magic’s laws–wanted by the police, and unable to use magic, she’s got to find the cure before the sickness spreads beyond any power to stop it.

But when a Death magic user seeks to destroy the only antidote, Allie and her fellow renegades must stand and fight to defend the innocent and save all magic…

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle: I love this urban fantasy series and I have just realised that there is only one more book to come, ‘Magic For A Price’ due for release 6th November 2012.

I have heard there may be a Shamus Flynn spinoff, I am hoping this is not a rumour as I can soooo see Shamus and a book series, he just has the most brilliant character voice with his snark and humour, yet he is a caring soul underneath all that black. I would love a wallpaper image of Shamus that I could share my desktop space .

In this instalment, Dad aka Daniel , is still rattling about in Allie’s head. I was surprised at how Allie has really come to the foreground and been quite in charge, even over Zay. I understand Zay, Shame, Terric, Hayden, Maeve, Victor and Allie have all gone rogue and mutinied from the Authority, as it is a bit corrupt and who does one really trust when they are trying to save the people from the Veiled. I am a bit perplexed how Allie has gained the respect of the people who have been in the Authority a long time and much higher ranked and appears to have superseded their rank. Does it have to do with Daniel/Dad being the ever brainiac that he is, guiding Allie, that has her trumping the others? Are they in such need of that authority figure that they can rely on, that it has come down to Allie/Daniel Beckstrom?

The Veiled are still happily wandering about doing the bitey, bitey and infecting and killing people. Jingo Jingo aka Mr Creepy/ Mr Wrong, is now in charge, the new head of the Authority, as it didn’t work out very well for Bartholomew. Every member who hasn’t gone rogue is gunning for our very small group of heroes. The Authority isn’t earning any brownie points or trust by having Jingo Jingo in charge.

Roman decides to make an entrance at the most inopportune time for Allie, me thinks he timed that one special..hehe!!

“For Christsake, Grimshaw, use the frickin’ front door. Is it some kind of requirement that all Guardians of the gates have to do the creepy stalker thing?”

It is decided that Roman will take some very valuable recorded information to the Overseer, the Highest Head of Authority, The Final Voice. The End Watch. The Last Ward. The Overseer guides the world of magic and all who use it. So, Margaret Stafford, who is the current Overseer, has a tad heavy weight on her shoulders. Roman must successfully get this recorded information that will ‘out’ the corruptness that has become the Authority , to the current Overseer as she has the equipment that can extract this information. How successful will Roman be?

Allie and Zay , who I know have a deep respect and love for each other, I just am not feeling it as much in these later instalments. What I mean is, Bones and Cat from the Night Huntress series, you really feel their connection, love, protectiveness, no matter how many books you are into the series, it comes through loud and clear. Allie and Zay are Soul Complements and have a connection and a love, but I felt that something was missing from the writing of these two characters, to continue to make me believe their relationship. Maybe it is just me.

Devon gives Allie a makeover and she now has that badass look about her. I think Zay was rather surprised, in a good way.

Devon brings the Magic action scenes in this book. Lots more magic is being used. Allie still can’t use magic without it making her sick. I do wonder where Devon is going with this with just one book left in the series. Spells are flying about all smexi like.

I thought a most brilliant/clever idea Devon had was using Winnie The Pooh in this instalment. How clever, bracelets with message beads, that use a code from Winnie The Pooh..hehe!! Brilliant!! If you can recite Winnie The Pooh , this little crew of heroes can talk in code to each other and decipher the message. If you are a tad forgetful, just take the book with you and look it up.

Good thinking 99.

There is so much I love about this series, but I must admit Shamus Flynn aka Shame, has taken over the Team T-Shirt from Zayvion aka Zay. There is just something about Shamus. Is he straight or gay? Well, we still do not know this. But, who cares.... well Terric does....*sigh*

I am feeling just a tad worried about the last book giving me the satisfaction I need from this series coming to an end. I have my fingers crossed that I find out the why and what of Dad being inside Allie’s head and what all this is about. There are still many things swaying in the breeze.

I love all the characters Devon brings to life in this series, I want me a Shamus to take home, but I hope Terric gets to eventually take him home. Stone, my most awesome Gargoyle is bounding about in protective mode, but he can also be rather useful as a container. Yes, I did say a container.

Still not sure about Collins, his reputation seems to deem him very dangerous, so much that he was ‘closed’, now he wants to strike a deal to be ‘unclosed’. Is this a wise decision or is it our crews only option?

Will everybody survive this instalment? You will have to read and find out.

FAVE QUOTES :

“Super interesting,” I interrupted. “Really, just. But I’d rather hear it clothed. Take it outside , gentlemen.” “You’re naked?’ Shame said, trying to get a better look around Zayvion and Roman. ........ “She’s naked?’ Shame asked again as Zayvion shoved his shoulder to make him turn around. “Aw , give a man a break. What’s a little accidental nakedness between friends?”

“Hell no,” Shame said with a grin. “Arguing like it’s buy-one-get-one-free doomsday out there. All I know is I’m not going to be the one who flies off to England to get an audience with Stafford. I’d like my internal organs, and my memories, to stay right where they are, thank you very much.”

“Shame ?” Zayvion said. “Shut the hell up.” And wonders of wonders, Shame did just that.

“But that’s my dad’s tech- my company’s, tech. And you’re hacking into it? I didn’t think they could be accessed like that.” Shame doused his smile and gave me wide, innocent eyes. “They can’t. I have no idea what Terric’s talking about, the delinquent. Your da’s handiwork is above the genius of all other men and will never be soiled.” I pointed at my face. “This is me not believing you.

This ought to be fun,” Shame said, lighting a cigarette. “I call dibs on that piece of shit Jingo Jingo.”

“You’d miss me if I was dead,” Shame said. “Wouldn’t you, Ter?’ he plunked down in the empty chair, staring straight into Terric’s glare. ...... “With every damn beat of my heart,” Terric ground out. I noted he had his right hand closed, and out of the way of Shame’s sight. Shame blinked. He hadn’t expected that answer. “Liar,” he said. Terric just stared at him. “Think so?” Shame frowned . Terric didn’t look away. Finally , Shame scowled. “You used to be fun to be around, Terric,” he said, breaking eye contact, and scowling down at his coffee instead. “What happened to you?” “You, Flynn,” Terric said. “You happened to me.”

4 comments:

Incredible review! I have had this in my TBR mountain since its release! Ever since going to RT and getting a new mountain of books and ARCs I've fallen so far behind on all my 2012 releases! It's scary!

Cannot wait to read this one and the finale in November! Maybe, hopefully, I can have read this one by then!